A New School Year/A New Blog

It has been months since I wrote my last blog entry, February to be exact. I miss blogging, and I know I am ready to pick it up again.

I suppose my blog address is rather descriptive of my ideals for our lives.
In the 8 1/2 years that I have been married life has certainly been an adventure. I can't say that I have always enjoyed the adventure or have been joyful in it all. But I can say that I have learned (and intend to keep learning) to be more joyous and to embrace life as an adventure. I want my kids to grow up remembering their childhood as a joyous time. Not because everything was perfect but because there was an atmosphere of joy and thanks, and it was okay for things to turn out in unexpected ways.

But like I said, it hasn't always been this way in my life.
Reminds me of this line from the beginning of the Hobbit where Bilbo was talking to Gandalf and says. :
"[We] have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!"... and then, after the dwarves sing their song, something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.
Sometimes it is just like that. We rather suddenly discover that we need to break away and be more daring and more adventure-some. For me it was partly because I finally realized that I am married to a visionary guy and the life with him will be so much more fun if I can allow myself to go ahead and enjoy all the unexpected things and changes that daily life brings.

This week the changes aren't so drastic really. Just the discovery for everyone that summer vacation is over, we have begun our new school year in earnest. The three brothers are now all "officially" being educated. It is rewarding and exhausting. I am so glad for everything that I have learned from Charlotte Mason. After a tentative trial year, I find that I am totally sold with this method of education even though it takes a good deal of planning and coordination to pull it all off.

All of us are learning our new daily rhythm and within a few weeks we should find it all a bit easier than the last several days have been. Still I expect it to be somewhat of a juggling act, after all they are only 7 1/2, 6, & 5 (next month).

Last Thursday morning (5 days ago now) we met with a CM Cottage School Co-op for introductions and to discuss our plans for this coming term. This Co-op meets every week but we will only be able to do every other week, because of the commuting distance.
Plans are to meet from 9AM-1PM for shared learning experiences centered around Nature Studies and the Arts. Music Appreciation, Artist and Composer Studies, Handicraft Times, Nature Walks and Nature Journal keeping. The boys are thrilled and honestly, so am I.

Thursday evening also marked the beginning of my venture to start a book club specifically centered on understanding and implementing Charlotte Mason's philosophy in our homes and schools. I was surprised with a turn out of 13 people but a bit overwhelmed to discover that I am the only one with any background in Charlotte Mason.

.... oh, but time has gotten away from me and I must start dinner this very moment. TTFN!